June is an amazing time to visit Key West. But what are the best things to do?
Key West Weather
First off, let’s talk about weather. June is the sweet spot month. It’s past the cooler winter months and before the really hot summer months. Average temperatures are in the upper 80’s with the lows not usually falling below 80 degrees(Fahrenheit).
The best part is only about 7 days of rain for the month. But, don’t fret if you find yourself in town on a rainy day. Still lots and lots of stuff to do.
Rainy Day Activities in Key West
When June rolls around in Key West, you can expect warm weather that’s perfect for beach days and exploring the island, but it also marks the start of hurricane season. While the risk of encountering a tropical storm can be a bit daunting, it’s also part of the island’s charm and character during the rainy season. The occasional rain showers bring a refreshing break from the heat and offer a lush, green backdrop to your island getaway. Plus, it’s still tourist season, so you’ll enjoy bustling streets filled with visitors soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Embrace the tropical spirit, keep an eye on the weather updates, and take advantage of the warm temperatures to create your own sun-soaked memories.
What to Wear
Well, we know that the dress code in Key West is…. casual. That’s why we love it so much, right? Plan to pack light. Bring shorts, tee shirts, or tank tops for comfort during the day. A fun sundress or tropical shirt and shorts for dinner and sunset. Bring flip-flops or sandals and comfy walking shoes to enjoy a morning walk. I think the best time to take a walk is early morning. Grab a cup of coffee and stroll down Duval Street. It’s peaceful and quiet.
More ideas on what to wear and what to pack for Key West
Hotels
Alright, let’s chat about hotel prices in June. Now, I know what you’re thinking: peak season = peak prices, right? Well, yes and no. Sure, it’s the time when everyone and their dog wants a piece of the tropical pie, but hey, a little planning can go a long way.
Think of it as a treasure hunt, only instead of gold doubloons, you’re scoring sweet deals on rooms with a view. Yep, hotel prices might try to throw a little curveball at your budget, but don’t let that get your flip-flops in a twist! Keep an eye out for those cheeky mid-week discounts and last-minute deals that’ll make you feel like you’ve just found the X on the map.
Check out our resource page to see if you can find any hotel deals
What to Do
Walk around and enjoy the tropical flowers. Did you know the Royal Poinciana trees will be in full bloom during June and July? Look for the beautiful red to orange flowers. Also, mangoes are ripe and ready to pick… which is why we have the Fruit (Mango) Festival this time of year.
Or check out who has the best Key Lime Pie in town!
Or head over and experience the world famous sunset celebration at Mallory Square.
Check out our must see and do list when in town!
June is Pride Month. Key West has an amazing celebration each year. It’s one of the best places to celebrate, Pride, Mangoes, and anything else!
KEY WEST THEATER: PRIDE FOLLIES – June 1
The Key West Business Guild opens this year’s PRIDE month with Pride Follies, showing at the Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. Pride Follies began 17 years ago to give Key West performers who usually perform in bars and restaurants the chance to appear on the professional stage. 2017 Fantasy Fest Queen Destiny Montgomery again directs this year’s production filled with comedy, singing, and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 7 p.m.
ROYAL POINCIANA RED PARTY – June 1
Red attire is encouraged at this annual event at the Key West Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters, including live music, lite bites, a silent auction and sales of books, calendars and trees. Proceeds benefit the replanting of quality trees in Key West. 6 to 9 p.m. 938 Whitehead St.
KEY WEST PRIDE: KICK-OFF DISCO PARTY – June 5
Don’t miss the Disco Party to kick off Key West’s 2024 Pride celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Cafe, 313 Duval St.
KEY WEST PRIDE – June 5 – 9, 2024
Celebrate PRIDE on the tropical island of Key West that is legendary for its laid-back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to party with friends, travel with family, or to get lost in the magic of the southernmost city, rediscover Key West and discover how the island has created one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show us your pride, we will show you our Key West Pride!
COFFEE BUTLER AMPHITHEATER: BILLY CURRINGTON – June 7
Well-known for his smooth and distinct voice and songs including “Don’t Hurt Like it Used To” and “People Are Crazy,” Billy Currington comes to the amphitheater with opener Mike Stack. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 7:30 p.m. 21 E. Quay Rd.
KEY WEST PRIDE: STREET FAIR & DISCO PARTY – June 8
Key West Pride’s “We Are Family” Street Fair and Disco Party takes over the 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Duval Street from 4 p.m. through 9 p.m.
BIG GAY 5K – June 8
The second annual Big Gay 5k race takes place on Saturday, June 8 during Key West Pride. The start and finish line is the famous Rainbow Crosswalk on Duval Street. The race starts at 8 a.m. and is to be followed by “The World’s Most Fabulous Post-Race Party” at 22 & Company, 504 Angela St., which will include awards for Most Spirited, Best Hair, Hottest Socks and more. Register in advance at RunSignUp.com.
COLLEGE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS SWIM AROUND KEY WEST – June 8
Embark on an adventurous competitive swim – a 12.5 loop around the island. The pristine waters around Key West give swimmers great views of both the land and underwater life. Compete in different categories including solo swimmer, solo swimmers with fins, solo swimmers using a mermaid tail or a monofin, or gather your friends and compete in the relay category of 2-person, 3-person, 4-person, 5-person or 6-person teams. Not interested in the full island swim? Try some of the smaller races offered, a 6.1-mile swim, a 2-mile swim, a 1-mile swim or an 800-yard swim. Swims begin and end at Higgs Beach, 1000 Atlantic Boulevard.
SHERIFF’S ANIMAL FARM OPEN HOUSE – June 9
Visit the family-friendly Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm, open the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Visits are free of charge, but donations are always welcomed. Stock Island Detention Center, 5501 College Rd.
KEY WEST PRIDE PARADE – June 9
The Key West Pride Parade theme this year is “Celebrating the 70s Disco Era.” The parade begins at 5 p.m. at the Quay at Truman Waterfront Park, traveling to Duval Street and ending at United Street.
HARRY S. TRUMAN LITTLE WHITE HOUSE: TRUMAN’S TROPICAL FRUIT FESTIVAL – June 15
Can you tell the difference between a haden and a kent mango? At the Tropical Fruit Festival, you’ll have the chance to taste all types of mangoes and other tropical fruits, sip tasty cocktails, watch cooking demos, purchase tropical trees, shop with local vendors and more. 9 a.m. to noon. 111 Front St.
Key West Theater: John Hiatt – June 15
Songwriting genius John Hiatt performs at Key West Theater June 15 at 8 p.m. 512 Eaton St.
KEY WEST GATOR CLUB DOLPHIN DERBY – June 21 -23, 2024
Anglers targeting dolphin fish can compete for $15 thousand in guaranteed cash prizes during the Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby June 21 through 23, with weigh-ins and tournament activities at Beachside Resort & Residences, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd. The team weighing in the heaviest dolphin fish takes home a grand prize of $5 thousand. Proceeds benefit scholarships for Key West High School graduates attending University of Florida.
SHERIFF’S ANIMAL FARM OPEN HOUSE – June 23
Visit the family-friendly Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm, open the second and fourth Sundays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Visits are free of charge, but donations are always welcomed. Stock Island Detention Center, 5501 College Rd.
Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden: Art in the Garden – Through July 31, 2024
Emphasizing harmony with nature, the return of Art in the Garden showcases local art and sculptures with artistic expressions. Artworks are earth-friendly in the selection of materials and themes and include recycled, repurposed, and natural material. Meander over garden boardwalks and down pathways through dappled shade, colorful blossoms and winged creatures to spot many beautiful works of art. View daily through July 31. 5210 College Rd.
What’s Happening Up the Keys
Marathon Community Theatre: tah-DANCE – through June 1, 2024
The 15th annual tah-DANCE Community Dance Showcase lets you experience the art of dance through performances by the MCT dance department, local community dance studios, dance groups and individual dancers during an evening of performances created to entertain and enthrall. Two shows – Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. 5101 Overseas Hwy.
Meet-and-Greet with George Poveromo and Pasta Pantaleo at Papa Joe’s Waterfront – June 1
Fishing expert and TV personality George Poveromo and artist Pasta Pantaleo will host a meet-and-greet at the new Papa Joe’s Waterfront on Saturday afternoon beginning at 3 p.m. There’ll be lots of talk about fishing and art along with raffles, door prizes and give-aways. Find the restaurant at mile marker 79.8 bayside in Islamorada.
Coralpalooza Sips N’ Science – June 5
Join Coral Restoration Foundation from 5 to 7 p.m. to enjoy delightful drinks while learning about the science of the marine world during this land-based Coralpalooza-week event at the CRF Exploration Center, 5 Seagate Dr.
Marathon Community Theater: Colored Lights with Jaimie Roberts – June 7
Join singer and entertainer Jaimie Roberts and friends Larry Smith and Jeff Dalton for Colored Lights — an evening of Broadway, Comedy and Silly Stuff. Cocktail hour at 6 p.m., showtime 7 p.m. 5101 Overseas Highway.
REEF Fish Out of Water Virtual 5k June 8 – 15, 2024
The fifth annual REEF Fish Out of Water Virtual 5k is an incentive to get active and support Florida Keys marine conservation and education. Sign up and join one of five Fish Teams: pygmy seahorse, lumpfish, saddled butterflyfish, horn shark or fairy basslet. You can also sign up as a “Fish Shoal” group. You can choose to run, walk, hike, bike or swim the 5k (3-point-1 miles) all at once or break into smaller sections. Registered participants receive a limited edition race shirt, printable race bib and a set of fish team stickers.
Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk – June 20
The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District’s Third Thursday Art Walk in Islamorada is the organization’s landmark, monthly event. On the Third Thursday of each month, Keys-inspired fine artists, vendors, residents, and visitors congregate on Morada Way in Islamorada to celebrate the arts and culture in the Florida Keys. Enjoy a relaxing evening from 6-9 p.m. perusing local fine art, imbibing local craft beer and wine and listening to music, in the area between mile markers 81 and 82.
Key West Art & Historical Society: Flora & Fauna – Early Naturalists in Florida – through September 13, 2024
Enjoy the “Flora & Fauna: Early Naturalists in Florida” exhibit through September 13 at Key West Museum of Art & History’s Custom House, Museum, 281 Front Street. The exhibit includes short biographies of the principal naturalists working in the Florida Territory in the early nineteenth century alongside representations of their Florida-inspired works. Their observation of plants and animals was an art as well as a science.
History of Diving Museum: Salvaging the Deep – through December 31, 2024
Learn about some of the world’s deepest wrecks and how salvage divers got there in the museum’s featured exhibit, on display through Dec. 31. Mile marker 82.9.
No matter when you visit Key West, you will have a great time. Not looking for an organized event? Just want to relax, enjoy the tropical vibes, a gorgeous sunset? The month of June is still an amazing time to visit. Spend time at Smather’s Beach, or simply enjoy some live music on Duval.
